Maui Roi Roundup fishing tournament, Sunday August 15 in Lahaina

More than 70 divers and spearfishers from around the state will attempt to capture as many roi (peacock groupers), to’au (blacktail snappers) and ta’ape (blue-line snapper) as they can during the annual Roi Roundup event taking place this Sunday, August 15, 2010.

A single invasive roi can eat up to 146 indigineous reef fish each year and carry a high risk of ciguatera toxin that could cause illness in humans. The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Hard Rock Cafe in Lahaina with the fish weigh-in happening at 11 a.m. Trophies will be presented for Most Fish, Largest Fish and Smallest Fish. The event is scheduled to conclude at 3 p.m.

The event includes remarks by Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares, education stations, and a Barnes & Noble Book fair with free entertainment by Leokane Pryor and Isaac Lazo.

A bookfair will be held today (Friday, August 13, 2010), through Sunday, August 15, at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Lahaina to benefit Roi Round-up efforts across the state. Proceeds go towards education and control efforts in getting invasive species the reef.